PETER Sopowski has been a member of the Labour Party since the 1980s.

A teacher of more than 30 years, Mr Sopowski has stood in all district and county council elections as the candidate for his area/ward since 1997.

He has been a parish councillor for many years as well as working as the agent for a previous parliamentary candidate, Alan Goodfellow.

Prior to becoming a teacher, he worked as a technician with the Post Office, then did hospital work, lorry driving, farming and gas fitting before going to university.

Mr Sopowski has been a Trade Union Branch Secretary for many years, doing individual casework and helping local and national campaigning on a range of issues.

The married father of one is also a volunteer sailing instructor and helps out on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

Mr Sopowski said: "I am very pleased to be chosen by members of the New Forest East Labour Party as their parliamentary candidate at the next election.

"We will be able to show the benefits of a Labour government and explain how the people of New Forest East can benefit further by choosing a Labour MP as their representative."